About this item
Too often math gets a bad rap, characterized as dry and difficult. But, Alex Bellos says, "math can be inspiring and brilliantly creative. Mathematical thought is one of the great achievements of the human race, and arguably the foundation of all human progress. The world of mathematics is a remarkable place."Bellos has traveled all around the globe and has plunged into history to uncover fascinating stories of mathematical achievement, from the breakthroughs of Euclid, the greatest mathematician of all time, to the creations of the Zen master of origami, one of the hottest areas of mathematical work today. Taking us into the wilds of the Amazon, he tells the story of a tribe there who can count only to five and reports on the latest findings about the math instinct—including the revelation that ants can actually count how many steps they’ve taken.
About the Author
Alex Bellos is an author and broadcaster whose specialises in mathematics and Brazil. When he was the Guardian's correspondent in South America he wrote Futebol: The Brazilian Way of Life, a look at contemporary Brazil seen through soccer. It was a huge critical success, and led to his being asked to ghostwrite Pelé: The Autobiography. He is also the author of the popular math books Here's Looking at Euclid and The Grapes of Math, which were both international bestsellers. The former has had more than 20 translations and won awards.
